Picture-perfect scenery, romance and world-famous sunset views.

Picture-perfect scenery, romance and world-famous sunset views.

Santorini's famous landscape is one of the most photographed in the world, and for good reason. It is an awe-inspiring experience to first lay eyes on the caldera, the dramatic formation of volcanic rock rising out of the Aegean, with the white-washed houses clinging to the cliff. But there is more to the island than the caldera itself. There is the vastness of the sea; the colours of the sunset; the sweet local wine; the buzzing nightlife; and some of the Cyclades' most exquisite restaurants.

Ancient sites, wild volcanic beauty, vineyards, picturesque villages that afford spectacular views over the Aegean and a sunset that is a daily happening in itself. Santorini is not famed for its beaches, yet the scenery's untamed wildness and the crystal-clear waters will compensate for the lack of fine white sand.

Santorini Highlights

Fira

The main town of Santorini, with its blue-domed churches, whitewashed houses, charming windmills and jaw-dropping caldera views, has a fairy-tale quality that enchants visitors. The town also offers some excellent dining options, chic boutiques and plenty of candlelit bars and lively nightclubs.

Firostefani and Imerovigli

The cliff path northwards from the town of Fira leads to Firostefani and Imerovigli, two charming villages with pastel pink and lemon houses perched above the Aegean. Take in the views and wander around the fashionable shops, art galleries and jewelry studios before heading to one of the bars to enjoy a chilled glass of local wine.

Oia and Ammoudi

Tucked in the northern part of the island, you will find the quaint village of Oia, a bundle of white, blue and ochre cave houses that were originally built for the families of sailors and fishermen. Climb down the 300 steps to get the tiny port of Ammoudi to watch the charming fishing boats gently rocking at the bay and enjoy lunch at one of the area's excellent tavernas.

Ancient Akrotiri

An excavation that took place during the end of the '60s revealed an ancient Minoan city preserved under the volcanic ash for 3,500 years. Wooden walkways will take you around the ruins where the roads, houses, drainage system, pottery and wall murals will offer you a unique glimpse into the ancient city's everyday life.

What to do & see in Santorini

A volcanic eruption that took place somewhat 3.700 years ago caused part of the island to sink, forming the imposing cliffs that plunge into the sea, allowing for the magnificent views of the Aegean.

Enjoying a cocktail at the caldera, whilst watching the sunset, is a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience. To fully appreciate the island's intoxicating beauty, charter a yacht to cruise around the island. You can also hire a boat and take a trip to the tiny island of Asporinisi, right next to the volcano, where you will find an idyllic beach accessible only by boat.

Many people head to Oia to enjoy Santorini's famous sunset, yet the best spot to watch the sun go down is the charming village of Imerovigli. Santorini offers some of Greece’s most superb wine, thanks to its fertile volcanic soil.

It is also a foodie's paradise. From the charming sea food tavernas of Ammoudi to one of Fira's high end restaurants, you are spoilt for choice. At Akrotiri, you will find the ruins of an ancient town that dates back 3500 years; take a stroll around the ruins and then head to one of the village's traditional tavernas for some local treats – an unmissable experience.

Best beaches in Santorini

Amoudi Although there is practically no beach here, Ammoudi is perhaps the best place to enjoy the sea in Santorini. The cove has crystal blue waters and a beautiful seabed. After swimming, you can grab a bite at one of the tiny port’s superb tavernas.

Kamari The highbrow choice for Santorini's cosmopolitan crowds. The beach is organised, offering loungers and an array of family-friendly venues for eating and drinking.

Monolithos A rarity for Santorini's rugged coastline, Monolithos boasts a sandy beach and shallow waters that make it ideal for children, as opposed to the steep seabeds of Kamari and Perissa.

Perissa and Perivolos Perissa and Perivolos are, in essence, a long beach lined with very lively beach-bars and frequented by young party-crowds.

Red beach A stunning bay with warm waters backed by red and black cliffs that rise out of the ground. The pebbled beach is one of the island's most popular, and tends to be overcrowded during peak season.

How to get to Santorini

Santorini's airport is served by many domestic flights, so you will have to fly to a main Greek city and then take a connecting flight to the island. There are also many ferries leaving from Piraeus. During summertime, Santorini is connected by sea to Paros, Siros, Sifnos, Ios and Thessaloniki.

Where to stay in Santorini

Being the jewel of Greece's crown, Santorini offers many excellent accommodation options. If you want to combine the amenities of a 5 star hotel and the relaxing atmosphere of a private home, the choice of luxury villas in Santorini is spectacular. Our Greek Villas team has painstakingly handpicked the island's top holiday villas in the most sought-after locations to offer you an unforgettable experience.

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The Greek Villas are the leading luxury villa rental specialist in Greece. Well-established, professional, passionate and ethical, we are experts not only in the best luxury villas in Greece, but in Greece itself. We are large enough to feature the finest selection of luxury villas in Greece, and to have offices throughout the Greek islands, but small enough to care. We believe the real luxury is the exceptional level of service that we offer, from beginning to end.

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